HEADLINES:First off - I need to remind everyone that the NWS Radar out of Paducah, KY will be down for maintenance for at least 1-2 weeks. Use neighboring or regional radars to view precipitation.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms will occur today through Sunday morning. There could be a few tornadoes in the area - wind damage possible. This is especially true over southwest Indiana into far southern Illinois, western Kentucky - Missouri Bootheel into AR/TN. Monitor local media and NWS Weather Radio for the most up to date information.

Rainfall totals of 1-3" will occur in most of our local counties. There will be pockets of 3-5" of rain. This will cause flash flooding and flooding on area roadways.

A wintry mix will occur on Sunday morning into Sunday afternoon over the area. Precipitation will turn to freezing rain and sleet across parts of southeast Missouri and southern Illinois on Saturday night after midnight - mainly from Mt Vernon down towards Perryville, MO towards Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

The rain/snow/ice line will shift east through the morning hours on Sunday and into Sunday afternoon. Light accumulations of sleet and freezing rain will be possible in our area. Roads will be warm to begin with - this may help keep travel problems to a minimum until colder air arrives later on Sunday.

If you have travel plans then monitor the most up to date weather information.

Remember that the National Weather Service defines a severe thunderstorm as one that produces 58 mph winds or higher, hail 1" in size or larger, and/or a tornado.

Saturday: A few reports of severe weather will be possible on Saturday afternoon and Saturday night. A wintry mix is possible Saturday night over southeast MO and southern IL.

Is there a chance for thunderstorms BELOW severe limits Yes

Sunday: Thunderstorms will be possible in the morning - mainly before 3 am. Locally heavy rain and isolated severe storms possible. A wintry mix is possible over our region on Sunday - light accumulations of sleet and freezing rain can be expected. See my Facebook page for the most up to date information.

Is there a chance for thunderstorms BELOW severe limits? Early morning hours

A mix of wintry precipitation will be possible on Saturday night and Sunday over our local area. A mix of freezing rain and sleet appears possible. Light accumulations can't be ruled out - the main area of concern would be over parts of southeast Missouri and southern Illinois - along a line from near Mt Vernon through Cairo, IL and then south and west into Missouri. Precipitation may change to a wintry mix over the rest of the area, as well on Sunday late morning into Sunday afternoon.

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You can listen to local emergency services, SKYWARN storm spotters, and more by visiting our scanner feed page - click here

If you are a weather enthusiast then I recommend listening to WeatherBrains each week! For a more in-depth look at what is happening in meteorology.

Now is a GREAT time to buy a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio. Better to have one before storms strike than to be without one during an event. I recommend the Midland Model 300 NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio - that is what I use here at my house!